The Best Port in the Storm

Building a fall wardrobe is no small feat. While I adore viewing each season’s collections, choosing which pieces to incorporate right after fashion week can be a bit taxing. I know, for example, that Chanel bouclé will never go out of style, but I may have banked with equal conviction that an orange shearling jacket was a wise purchase. I think it still lives somewhere in the back of my coat closet, tags still sadly from hung from its label.

After combing through each designer’s collection, this season it appears that sleek is chic (quel surprise). Designers presented collections with sharp modern cuts and rather than turn to rainbow bright tones in bold prints and wild patterns, they played it safe this season, showing subdued hues.

Which is fine by me. My style is some amalgamation of Tina Chow and seventies prep and I love a look that is a contemporary take on classic shapes and drapes. Which is why I’m turning to Ports 1961 for key fall pieces. Known for its intricate futuristic crafting of luxury wear for women, the brand presented a fashion-forward collection that married form and function for Fall 2010.

As for my wish list, rather than scour the earth for a little black dress, I’d rather stand out from the crowd in this golden cocktail dress with a sexy yet sophisticated open back and Grecian-inspired draping.

Standout knits are a must this fall and this large cowl necked sweater adds a bit of drama yet its form-fitting shape keeps the look tailored.

Living in Los Angeles, I don’t need to start to stock up on winter coats quite yet even though I love this avant-garde version of a traditional puffer jacket.

I think I’ll pick up this plaid cloak instead—remixed preppy chic at its finest.

Ports 1961, 8483 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, 323.951.9696.